FISHERIES Victoria is now consulting recreational anglers about proposed changes to trout fishing regulations in lakes and rivers to make even better trout fishing in Victoria.
The proposed changes complement record trout stocking now underway across the state.
Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Travis Dowling, said the proposed changes were developed with the help of the Victorian Trout Fishery Reference Group, which consists of 26 members from right across the broad spectrum of trout fishing interests.
“The proposed changes include a minimum size for trout in several waters, which delivers on the State Government’s Target One Million commitment,” Mr Dowling said.
The proposed changes are:
· Introduce a 25cm minimum size and reduced bag limit (from 5 to 3 trout per day) on four iconic streams; the Goulburn River below Lake Eildon, Mitta Mitta River above Lake Dartmouth, Ovens River upstream of the Porepunkah Bridge and the Nariel Creek upstream of the Colac Colac Bridge.
· Introduce a 45cm minimum size and reduced bag limit (from 5 to 3 fish per day) for Hepburn Lagoon and Lake Toolondo.
· Remove the trout closed season in the Hopkins and Merri rivers in southwest Victoria because these waters are solely reliant on annual stocking of trout, not natural breeding.
Mr Dowling said the proposed changes recognise the importance of our trout fisheries and the iconic nature of many waters that are highly prized by bait fishers, lure casters and fly fishers.
“We know trout anglers are passionate about their fisheries and only want the very best for them.
“That’s why this suite of changes stretches right across the state and includes both lakes and rivers along with stocked andunstocked waters.
“We are confident the proposed changes will improve the quality of fishing in two of our premier trout lakes, promote our iconic trout streams and create new and exciting winter fisheries in southwest Victoria.”
For more information, or to learn more about making a written submission by 13 July 2017, visit www.vic.gov.au/fisheries
